HUBBUB ★ WINNER – THIRD PLACE

When bus stops are moved for rebalancing purposes, most people can rely on consumer technology solutions help navigate the changes – whether it’s through Google maps, TransLink App, TransLink’s website, or social media. However, many people including seniors, people with disabilities, and those without financial means to access technology are left out of these dominant transit information sources and may arrive at a bus stop that’s no longer functional without clear further instruction. This disruption to a relied upon transit routine can cause confusion and anxiety.

Our proposal, modular communications enabled signage, helps by first clearly indicating, visually and tactilely, that a change to the bus stop function has occurred. A simple wayfinding map is then provided indicating the location of the new bus stop, this is supplemented by braille.

Lastly, for deep and flexible support, a button push will give an audio recording explaining the change and allow direct phone communication with a translink representative. At the new stop, a sign corresponding to the wayfinding map is placed upon the bus stop pole, supplemented by braille. The system comprises of a cellularly connected, battery powered, speaker and calling system, which is housed in a custom modular enclosure that allows graphical inserts. The enclosure, warning sign, and tactile flooring, is attachable to legacy transit infrastructure that is temporarily left when a bus stop is removed. This way, the system is highly reusable for each time a potential disruptive transit change occurs where geographic targeting is most appropriate to capture those affected.